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History of Florida, USA
Journey back in time to Florida, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Florida, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Florida
Florida is not the southernmost state in the United States. Hawaii is farther south.
The first graded road built in Florida was Old Kings Road in 1763. It was named for King George of England.
50states.com
"Six days after Easter in 1513, the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León landed near what is now the city of Saint Augustine. In honor of the holiday and the area's plant life, he named the land Florida for the Spanish phrase for the Easter season, pascua florida (“feast of flowers”). The name is the oldest surviving European place-name in the U.S." mentalfloss.com
The first graded road built in Florida was Old Kings Road in 1763. It was named for King George of England.
50states.com
"Six days after Easter in 1513, the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León landed near what is now the city of Saint Augustine. In honor of the holiday and the area's plant life, he named the land Florida for the Spanish phrase for the Easter season, pascua florida (“feast of flowers”). The name is the oldest surviving European place-name in the U.S." mentalfloss.com
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VINTAGE FLORIDA
Florida Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Florida, USA
Flag of Florida
Adopted June 6, 1868
Adopted June 6, 1868
Florida, USA
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Murray & Lanman's Florida Water
Florida, USA
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Murray & Lanman's Florida Water
To the rich and to the poor,
To all people of taste,
at home,
on ship board,
at the seaside,
in the mountains.
No article will afford so much pleasure or contribute so largely to comfort as Murray & Lanman's Florida Water...
To the rich and to the poor,
To all people of taste,
at home,
on ship board,
at the seaside,
in the mountains.
No article will afford so much pleasure or contribute so largely to comfort as Murray & Lanman's Florida Water...
Florida, USA
Postcard
Zephyrhills, Pasco, Florida, USA
Florida, USA
Postcard
Main Street looking East, Sarasota, Florida
Florida, USA
Postcard
Aerial View of Pensacola
Navy Planes over Pensacola, Fla.
Navy Planes over Pensacola, Fla.
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to FLORIDA
FLORIDA Survival Skills: Alligator Spotter and Hurricane Hero Ceramic Mug
Embrace your Floridian flair with our ceramic mug that tells the world, "I'm from Florida! That explains a lot about my skill in spotting alligators lurking in every body of water and ability to survive hurricanes with a margarita in hand." This mug is perfect for those who navigate life with a touch of humor and a whole lot of resilience.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Florida: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Florida through the years.
1763 - The first graded road built in Florida was Old Kings Road in 1763. It was named for King George of England.
In 1763, Old Kings Road marked a significant milestone as the first graded road constructed in Florida. This road was a testament to the colonial efforts to establish infrastructure in the newly acquired territories following the end of the French and Indian War. Named in honor of King George III of England, the road served as a vital artery for transportation and trade, linking key settlements and providing a more reliable means of travel through the region's challenging terrain.
The construction of Old Kings Road not only facilitated easier travel for settlers and traders but also symbolized the growing influence of British colonial power in the area.
The construction of Old Kings Road not only facilitated easier travel for settlers and traders but also symbolized the growing influence of British colonial power in the area.
1803 - United States claimed West Florida and Pensacola as part of Louisiana Purchase
1821 - Andrew Jackson's successes in Indian wars bring Florida to the United States
1836 - Seminole War begins in Florida, as Indians protest forced removal.
The Seminole War of 1836 marked a significant chapter in the turbulent history of Native American relations in the United States. It erupted in Florida as Seminole Indians fiercely resisted the government's efforts to remove them from their ancestral lands. The conflict was a direct consequence of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which aimed to relocate Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi River to lands west of the river.
The Seminoles, a tribe formed from various Native American groups, had long inhabited Florida. They refused to leave, leading to tensions with the U.S. government. The war began when Seminole warriors, led by chiefs Osceola and Micanopy, launched attacks on U.S. military outposts in December 1835. These raids signaled the start of a prolonged and brutal conflict that would last for years, characterized by guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the Seminoles, and the use of overwhelming force by the U.S. Army.
The Seminoles, a tribe formed from various Native American groups, had long inhabited Florida. They refused to leave, leading to tensions with the U.S. government. The war began when Seminole warriors, led by chiefs Osceola and Micanopy, launched attacks on U.S. military outposts in December 1835. These raids signaled the start of a prolonged and brutal conflict that would last for years, characterized by guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the Seminoles, and the use of overwhelming force by the U.S. Army.
1845 - Florida became 27th state
1861 - January 10 – American Civil War: Florida secedes from the Union.
On January 10, 1861, Florida became the third state to secede from the Union, following South Carolina and Mississippi, marking a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the American Civil War. The secession was driven by several factors, including the state's economic dependence on slavery, fears of abolitionist movements in the North, and a desire to preserve the institution of slavery and states' rights.
Florida's secession reflected the deepening divide between the North and the South over the issue of slavery and states' rights. The secession of Florida and other Southern states ultimately led to the formation of the Confederate States of America and the outbreak of the Civil War in April of that year.
Florida's secession reflected the deepening divide between the North and the South over the issue of slavery and states' rights. The secession of Florida and other Southern states ultimately led to the formation of the Confederate States of America and the outbreak of the Civil War in April of that year.
1871 - The moss business in Florida is assuming profitable proportions.
The article is procured in the forests, cured, packed, and forwarded to the North.
1878 - Tourism began at Silver Spring, Hullam Jones invented glass-bottom boat
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1894 - December 29 - A severe freeze hit Florida destroying fruit and causing considerable damage to trees.
1895 - Florida
Florida, flor'e-dû (Sp. pron. flo-ree'Dā), the southeasternmost state of the American Union, consisting mainly of a peninsula, which, with the opposite peninsula of Yucatan and the intervening W. portion of the island of Cuba, forms the eastern barrier of the Gulf of Mexico, converting that body of water into the Mediterranean of the New World. The state is bounded N. by Alabama and Georgia, E. by the Atlantic Ocean, S. by the Straits of Bimini and the Gulf of Mexico, and W. by the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama. Area, 58,680 £e miles. Its extreme limits are in lat. 24° 30' and 31° N, and 79° 48' and 87° 38' W. (Greenwich). Its southern keys or islets are the southernmost points within the limits of the United States...
Population, in 1830, 34,730; in 1840, 54,477; in 1850, 87,445; in 1860, 140,424; in 1870, 188,248, including 91,689 colored people and 502 Indians, The latter live principally in the morasses of the far south. The population in 1880 was 269,493; in 1890, 391,422.
Population, in 1830, 34,730; in 1840, 54,477; in 1850, 87,445; in 1860, 140,424; in 1870, 188,248, including 91,689 colored people and 502 Indians, The latter live principally in the morasses of the far south. The population in 1880 was 269,493; in 1890, 391,422.
1914 - First U.S. scheduled airline service flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa occurred
In 1914, the world witnessed a pivotal moment in aviation history as the first scheduled airline service flight in the United States took off from St. Petersburg, Florida, destined for Tampa. This monumental event marked the beginning of commercial air travel in the country, signaling a new era of transportation and connectivity. The flight was operated by the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line, using a Benoist XIV flying boat piloted by Tony Jannus, a renowned aviator of the time.
The flight, which took off on January 1st, 1914, carried Abram C. Pheil, the former mayor of St. Petersburg, as the sole passenger, making him the first paying passenger on a scheduled airline flight in history. The journey across the bay lasted approximately 23 minutes, covering a distance of about 18 miles.
The flight, which took off on January 1st, 1914, carried Abram C. Pheil, the former mayor of St. Petersburg, as the sole passenger, making him the first paying passenger on a scheduled airline flight in history. The journey across the bay lasted approximately 23 minutes, covering a distance of about 18 miles.
1923 - January 1–7 – Rosewood massacre, a violent, racially motivated conflict in Florida. At least eight people are killed, and the town of Rosewood is abandoned and destroyed.
The Rosewood massacre of 1923 was a tragic and racially motivated event that occurred in Florida, USA. Lasting from January 1st to 7th, the conflict erupted when a white woman in a nearby town falsely accused a black man of assaulting her, sparking racial tensions. This accusation led to a violent mob of white men attacking the predominantly black town of Rosewood, seeking revenge.
During the massacre, at least eight people were killed, though the exact number is unknown due to incomplete records. The town was left in ruins, with many buildings burned to the ground and the survivors fleeing for their lives. The massacre had a lasting impact on the survivors, who faced ongoing discrimination and trauma.
During the massacre, at least eight people were killed, though the exact number is unknown due to incomplete records. The town was left in ruins, with many buildings burned to the ground and the survivors fleeing for their lives. The massacre had a lasting impact on the survivors, who faced ongoing discrimination and trauma.
1947 - Everglades National Park dedicated by President Truman
In 1947, President Harry S. Truman dedicated Everglades National Park, marking a significant moment in conservation history. The park, located in southern Florida, was established to protect the unique ecosystem of the Everglades, which is a vast, shallow, slow-moving sheet of water flowing out from Lake Okeechobee towards the Gulf of Mexico. The dedication ceremony highlighted the importance of preserving this natural wonder for future generations.
President Truman's dedication underscored the growing awareness of the need to protect America's natural landscapes. The Everglades, with its diverse plant and animal life, was recognized as a vital habitat worth safeguarding. The establishment of Everglades National Park not only protected the area from further development but also provided a space for research and education about the importance of wetland ecosystems.
President Truman's dedication underscored the growing awareness of the need to protect America's natural landscapes. The Everglades, with its diverse plant and animal life, was recognized as a vital habitat worth safeguarding. The establishment of Everglades National Park not only protected the area from further development but also provided a space for research and education about the importance of wetland ecosystems.
1950 - Cape Canaveral became space and rocket center; frozen juice concentrate became major industry
February 2, 1952 - The only tropical storm of record to hit the U.S. in February moved out of the Gulf of Mexico and across southern Florida. It produced 60 mph winds, and two to four inches of rain. (2nd-3rd)
1954 - March 6 - Florida received its greatest modern-day snowfall of record, with 4.0 inches at the Milton Experimental Station. Pensacola FL equaled their 24-hour record with 2.1 inches of snow.
1972 - Hurricane Agnes
June 19 - By now upgraded to a hurricane, Agnes hits the Florida Panhandle and spawns a record number of 28 tornadoes over the next two days.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Florida:
Walt Disney World Resort: Located in Orlando, this iconic theme park is a must-visit for families and Disney enthusiasts. Explore Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom for a magical experience.
Universal Orlando Resort: Another Orlando gem, this resort boasts Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, offering thrilling rides and immersive attractions.
Miami Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of Miami Beach and soak up the sun. You can also explore the vibrant Art Deco Historic District and enjoy the lively nightlife.
Everglades National Park: Discover the unique ecosystem of the Everglades by taking an airboat tour. Keep an eye out for alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species.
Key West: Visit the southernmost point of the continental United States. Enjoy water sports, explore historical sites, and experience the lively atmosphere of Duval Street.
St. Augustine: This historic ...
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Universal Orlando Resort: Another Orlando gem, this resort boasts Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, offering thrilling rides and immersive attractions.
Miami Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of Miami Beach and soak up the sun. You can also explore the vibrant Art Deco Historic District and enjoy the lively nightlife.
Everglades National Park: Discover the unique ecosystem of the Everglades by taking an airboat tour. Keep an eye out for alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species.
Key West: Visit the southernmost point of the continental United States. Enjoy water sports, explore historical sites, and experience the lively atmosphere of Duval Street.
St. Augustine: This historic ...
GENEALOGY IN FLORIDA
Discover YOUR Roots: Florida Ancestry
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Florida, USA
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Updated: 6/16/2024 10:39:44 AM
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